The Internet’s Shadow on the Sun: How Technology Transformed Eclipse Chasing
There’s something profoundly humbling about witnessing a solar eclipse. It’s a reminder of our place in the cosmos, a fleeting moment where the universe seems to pause just for us. But as someone who’s chased these celestial events for nearly five decades, I’ve noticed a seismic shift in how we experience them—and it’s all because of the internet.
The Pre-Internet Era: A Different Kind of Adventure
In the early days, eclipse chasing was an art form. It required meticulous planning, a bit of luck, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. I remember my first few attempts, armed with film cameras and a sense of adventure. There was no Google Maps, no last-minute motel bookings, and certainly no viral hype. It was just you, your gear, and the sky.
What’s fascinating, though, is how the internet has turned this intimate pursuit into a global phenomenon. Take the 2017 eclipse, dubbed “The Great American Eclipse.” It was the first to cross the U.S. since 1979, and the internet made sure everyone knew about it. Personally, I think this was both a blessing and a curse.
The 2017 Eclipse: When the Internet Met the Sky
I chose Orin Junction, Wyoming, for its prime location on the centerline. It was small, quiet, and seemingly off the radar. Or so I thought. What many people don’t realize is that the internet has a way of turning hidden gems into overcrowded hotspots. Glendo, just down the road, was a perfect example. A tiny town of 209 people was suddenly inundated with 50,000 visitors. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how a single online mention can transform a place overnight.
The chaos wasn’t limited to Glendo. Casper, Wyoming, became ground zero for eclipse chasers. Hotels were booked years in advance, and prices skyrocketed. I ended up in Sheridan, two hours away, paying double the usual rate. But even that was a stroke of luck. From my motel window, I watched countless travelers arrive without reservations, desperate and often in tears. The internet had promised them an experience, but it hadn’t prepared them for the reality.
What this really suggests is that while technology connects us, it also creates a false sense of ease. People assumed they could just show up and find a room, much like I had done decades ago. But the internet had changed the game. It amplified the event, turning it into a mass migration.
The DIY Spirit: Adapting to the Digital Age
One thing that immediately stands out is how photography itself has evolved. My first eclipses were captured on film, but by 2017, I was using digital cameras. This brought its own challenges, like sensor reflections caused by solar filters. My solution? A DIY pinhole projection finder made from acrylic plastic and cardboard. It’s a simple fix, but it highlights something deeper: the intersection of old-school ingenuity and modern technology.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is a metaphor for eclipse chasing itself. We’re still chasing the same sun, but the tools—and the crowds—have changed dramatically.
The Human Side of Technology
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the internet has reshaped not just logistics, but emotions. In 2024, I took my 90-year-old cousin to see her first eclipse in Milan, Ohio. We booked a hotel over a year in advance, a new standard in the age of viral events. The town was packed, but our hotel’s location on the outskirts offered a serene viewing experience. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of 2017, and it made me wonder: have we reached a tipping point where planning trumps spontaneity?
From my perspective, the internet has democratized eclipse chasing, but it’s also stripped away some of its magic. There’s a certain romance in the unpredictability of the pre-internet era, a sense of discovery that’s hard to replicate today.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Eclipse Chasing
The next North American total solar eclipse will be in 2044, sweeping across the Arctic and parts of Canada and the U.S. I’m not sure I’ll be around to see it, but I hope future chasers learn from the lessons of the internet age.
In my opinion, the key is balance. Embrace technology for its convenience, but don’t let it overshadow the experience. After all, an eclipse isn’t just about the photos—it’s about the moment. As I’ve learned over the years, the best memories are the ones you don’t plan for.
This raises a deeper question: as we become increasingly reliant on the internet, are we losing the art of spontaneity? Or are we simply redefining it? Personally, I think it’s a bit of both. The internet has changed eclipse chasing forever, but it’s up to us to decide how we navigate its shadow.
So, the next time you find yourself under the path of totality, remember: look up, not just at your screen. Because in the end, it’s not the internet that makes an eclipse unforgettable—it’s the sun, the moon, and the awe they inspire.
